Bluespotted Cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii)

The Bluespotted Cornetfish or Fistularia commersonii is an elongated saltwater fish from the Fistulariidae family which include pipefishes and seahorses. This fish has an eel like appearance, but can be differentiated by its long snout, large eyes, distinct dorsal and anal fins, and a forked caudal fin whose center rays form a rather lengthy filament. This filament is lined with sensory pores, and is thought to serve as a long-range sensory system for detecting prey.

Bluespotted Cornetfish are found almost exclusively in and around reefs on the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and off the western coast of Africa. They feed on small fish and invertebrates, and can grow to 5-1/4' (1.6 meters). These fish go by several different names including Commerson's Cornetfish, Smooth Flutemouth, Flutefish, Smooth Cornetfish, Reef Cornetfish, Coronet and Arrowshaft.  You can check out the Bluespotted Cornetfish underwater in the video below.


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